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SoapUI / ReadyAPI

The long-standing tool for SOAP, JMS and enterprise protocol testing.

API TestingFree tierOpen sourceSelf-hostable

What it is

SoapUI is the open-source client for SOAP and REST services, still the most practical option when you must test WSDL-based services, JMS queues or JDBC steps. ReadyAPI is SmartBear's commercial edition, adding data-driven testing, service virtualisation, security scans and load testing on top.

Best for

Enterprises testing SOAP services, message queues and legacy integration layers.

Where it is strong

  • Unmatched SOAP, WSDL and JMS support for legacy enterprise integration work.
  • ReadyAPI bundles functional, security, load and virtualisation in one product family.
  • Groovy scripting escape hatch for anything the GUI cannot express.

Where it falls short

  • Dated Java desktop UI that feels heavy next to modern clients.
  • Project files are XML and merge badly in version control.
  • Modular licensing gets expensive fast.

Pricing

Free tier available

Free tier

Free tier: SoapUI open source is free and covers SOAP and REST functional testing.

What drives the bill: SmartBear publishes no ReadyAPI price; the pricing page is a quote request. ReadyAPI is licensed per module — Test, Performance, Virtualization — and buying all three multiplies the cost, with floating licences for CI costing more than fixed seats.

Check current pricing on SmartBear’s site

Figures are indicative and were last reviewed August 2026. Vendors change pricing often; confirm before you commit.

Works with

JenkinsMavenGitJiraAzure DevOps

What people who use SoapUI / ReadyAPI say

No reviews of SoapUI / ReadyAPI yet. If you have used it in anger, yours would be the first.

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